Cigar Review: Padron Family Reserve

The Padron Family Reserve has begin to hit the shelves of tobacconists around the world. The cigar is meant to celebrate the company being in business for 45 years and is nicknamed “The Hammer”. The Padron Family Reserve comes in both the natural and maduro wrapper and are in boxes of 10 cigars. My local cigar shop got these in and despite the high price I have been smoking them religiously. I tend to favor the natural version, however on the shelf the difference between the maduro and natural to the naked eye was negligible.

Appearance and Construction (20/20): Outstanding. That sums it up in one word. This toothy looking natural wrapper has almost no veins to speak up. The roll is seamleass, and the cigar is balanced. There are no soft spots on the stick and the foot reveals a well packed cigar. When it comes to box pressed sticks, Padron definitely sets the bar. The band is red and gold, and denotes the cigar is the Padron Family Blend. There is a hammer located between the 1964 which was the birth year of Padron Cigars. There is a secondary anti counterfeiting band underneath the primary band. The 3rd band denotes 45 Years.

Flavor & Notes (30/30): Prior to lighting my stick, the foot offered some notes of cedar and spice and the draw reveal some rich cocoa notes. From first light this cigar is definitely something special. Rich. That’s how I can describe this smoke. There are some notes of chocolate/cocoa with some coffee. But this cigar transcends the notes. The cigar is the smoothest, and most perfect cigar I have ever smoked. The second third has some slight spice to it which compliments the rich tobacco and cocoa notes. The final third right down til I couldn’t hold the stick provided wonderfully rich notes of chocolate, coffee and a slight cedar.

Burn/Ash/Draw (25/25): The cigar had the smallest carbon line I ever saw. The cigar burned even all the way down to the end. The ash was a nice light gray that held very well. The draw of the cigar was pure perfection.

Overall (24/25): In NJ with the tobacco tax these sticks retail for 35.00 and that prevents the cigar from being perfect. I know this is a contradiction, but despite the price I have been smoking them on a regular basis. The cigar is incredible. This stick provides a flavor profile that is so enjoyable and relaxing that I felt totally relaxed and unstressed after finishing the cigar. Those who don’t smoke, don’t understand. But this is my therapy and it’s cheaper then spending time on the couch of a psychologist.

I had one last night, my first but won't be my last. The review is spot-on. My experience exactly. But I'd add to it that it's not a normal cigar smoking experience, at least not to me. No other cigar I've had even comes close. It was something that you just have to experience to understand, it's in a league all its own. I could go on and on and on. Truly amazing.

A very delightful uber cigar that tastes better than it looks (if that's possible). I was very impressed with all aspects of this stick and would rate it 100 since it was given to me as a gift. It paired well with Don Julio 1942 Tequila which is a combination we should all be able to enjoy. - Salute Mi Amigos

William D is either very poorly informed or is smoking the wrong cigars.
Barry, I look forward to trying this Padron, it sounds like something special.
The Anniversarios, both the 26 and 64, are always favorites with me.
I will hit up my local B&M today and hope they have them.

Jim thought this would be blog-worthy. First of all I had not found another cigar that has the complexity of the Padron 1926. So when I started reading the blogs about the Padron family reserve 45 maduro, it piqued my interest. I went to my favorite cigar shop to see if I could find them. As it turned out, they had one box tucked away in the corner of the humidor. The price was a little off putting. I usually don't spend that much on a single cigar. But having such a great experience with the 1926, I couldn't resist. I bought two and safely tucked them away for a special occasion. I was telling a friend, a member of my Cigar Therapy Group, of my find. He got very excited and wanted to share the experience together. As I was driving to meet my wife after work, he started texting me. How many can we get? Jim wants in .....Mike won't spend the money...Mike wants in! I politely excused myself early from my wife's function and rushed home to meet the guys. Dave generously brought a case of Guinness. It turned out to be a beautiful night to sit outside around a fire. I had already put my firepit and patio furniture in the basement. But this was an emergency meeting of the Cigar Therapy Group Dave and Mike insisted on pulling out my neatly stowed furniture. We sat around the fire anxiously awaiting Jim's arrival. we could not wait to light up the highly anticipated Padron 45. Jim arrived with his copy of the latest edition of cigar aficionado and his travel humidor. The moment had arrived. Jim was reading aloud about the Padron 45 maduro as I brought out the box with the coveted cigars that the cigar shop have given me when I bought the last three. The box is beautiful. On the inside lid it bears the image and story of "the little hammer". We passed the box around the circle as part of the ritual each of us smelling the box as we took a cigar. Initially we noticed the powerful spice that almost overwhelmed the palette. It didnt take long to notice the dark chocolate and coca undertones. As we smoked the flavors become more and more balanced. All of us smoked, until we could not hold the stub anymore. We all agreed that this is another great cigar from the Padrons!! Definately to be shared amoung friends. Highly recommended by the Cigar Therapy Group.

William,
Your comment is short sited. Every cigar has a blend, these blend create notes. If your palate is sensitive enough one can pick up various flavors. If this was not the case cigar manufacturers would not give a synopsis including various notes.

decent smoke. though to describe cocoa flavor,come on we all know the only cigars with desernable flavors are infused with such.all cigars are light, medium, or full body. and they all have a tarry finish if you smoke it past the band, stop fooling yourselves you sound like a wine expert {floral nose with a hint of passion fruit}

I enjoyed this cigar on the front porch with a glass of W L Weller special reserve on the rocks. From the first draw until the last the cigar was consistent. I noticed an almost chocolate hint to it throughout with a very smooth finish. The burn was even. The ash was white and tight. It took an hour and fifteen minutes to smoke, and I was sad it came to an end. It never drew hot or sour. This cigar is now the gold standard for me. It simply was the best smoke I ever had.
I rated it a 98 and only because I had to cut the bands off to smoke it down. (Heck, I would have wrung it out if I could have.) It came out of the humidor at 76% rh and the draw was perfect. I know it is expensive but once in a while you have to treat yourself. I'm really happy I bought two and look forward to the next night I give myself the roayl treatment.
If you're looking for an incredible smoke this is it. Ignore the price and find out what it's like to enjoy a truly fine cigar. You'll feel like a king!